Amongst a variety of activities, we began the week at the Bowling Field with planting for some new hanging planters that have now been attached at height to several wooden uprights. From a variety of recycled plastic bottle containers, children articulated their choices, supported by educators, to describe shape, dimensions, and the shade of colour. We then enjoyed using a new sturdy single hole punch to clip a hole out near the top. Steady hands found the right way to position the punch, strong finger grips squeezed down, and with a little help from educators the hole was made. Next soil was filled to just below the punch hole, and a selection of sedums were pushed down. We love that the children have the ability to improve the aesthetic of this space themselves, and we look forward to celebrating the spilling flowery displays all around us soon!
In the forest the abundance of sticks after the storms has created plenty of creative and imaginary play. Reinforced by ideas discussed in the morning in our Forest School rules, children recognise and value that this “dead wood” is kindly given to us by the trees for us to play with however we wish. Alongside the rule of “no shaking no breaking”, children here articulately demonstrate their clear deep understanding of how the branches still on the trees are essential and loved by so many more animals than us. Around the circle, we love hearing the long list of creatures the children know that are supported by trees; from ants to alligators each answer is awesome!
With the sea of sticks around us, educators have supported children to make what they want, be that for immediate play or to cherish and place in bags to show families later at home. This week, educators have helped make “freeze ray” devices, fishing rods, fabulous felt topped flowers, magical wands, soaring aeroplanes and spinning drones that have buzzed around all day long. We were even graced with a highly detailed scorpion with its six legs, two curved claws and even an articulated “stinging tail”! In all these designs, the children are highly engaged, making personal choices and listening in well to advice about what may or may not work…well done everyone!
We hope you all enjoy the weekend, be it full of adventure or full of rest!
Little Forest Folk
Wandsworth